What Are Mystery Debates?
Mystery Debates are VersyTalks' most exclusive feature — hidden challenges that unlock when you meet specific participation goals.
These debates aren't publicly listed until you unlock them. Each Mystery Debate features a unique topic, custom judging criteria, and private prizes awarded to the most creative, thoughtful, and well-argued responses.
Mystery Debates combine gamification with intellectual rigor, rewarding users who actively engage with the platform and demonstrate consistent quality.
How to Unlock Mystery Debates
Each Mystery Debate has its own unlock criteria, which may include:
- Participating in X debates (e.g., "Join 10 debates to unlock this Mystery").
- Providing Y accepted feedback contributions (e.g., "Contribute 4 helpful edits").
- Achieving Z upvotes or community recognition.
- Logging in on consecutive days or completing specific challenges.
Tracking Your Progress
Mystery Debates appear as locked cards on your homepage or in dedicated Mystery sections.
Hover over or click a Mystery card to see your progress toward unlocking it. The interface shows how many more debates, feedbacks, or other actions you need to complete.
Once you meet the criteria, the Mystery Debate unlocks, and you can immediately participate.
Prizes and Judging
Unlike DotM, which relies on community voting, Mystery Debates are judged by VersyTalks debate experts and moderators.
Judges evaluate arguments based on:
- Creativity and originality of perspective.
- Depth of reasoning and logical consistency.
- Quality of evidence and supporting examples.
- Relevance and responsiveness to the debate prompt.
Types of Mystery Debates
Mystery Debates vary in topic, format, and prize structure. Some examples include:
- Philosophical challenges: Abstract topics requiring deep critical thinking.
- Creative prompts: Imaginative or speculative debates (e.g., "Design a better democracy").
- Time-sensitive challenges: Limited participation windows with higher prizes.
- Thematic mysteries: Tied to current events, cultural moments, or platform milestones.
Why Participate in Mystery Debates?
Mystery Debates offer debaters:
- Exclusive Prizes: Cash rewards, badges, or special recognition.
- Intellectual Challenge: Topics designed to push creative and critical thinking.
- Platform Prestige: Mystery Debate winners are featured prominently.
- Personal Growth: Unlocking mysteries demonstrates consistent, quality participation.
Tips for Winning Mystery Debates
To stand out in Mystery Debates:
- Think outside the box: Judges reward originality and unique perspectives.
- Support your ideas: Even creative arguments need evidence and reasoning.
- Write clearly: Don't sacrifice clarity for creativity. Judges value both.
- Participate early: Some mysteries have limited spots or first-come advantages.
- Review past winners: If past Mystery winners are featured, study their arguments to understand what judges value.